How a gut bacterium's secretion system may drive colon tumors and bloodstream infections
Type VII secretion in Streptococcus gallolyticus pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11228797
This work looks at how a protein secreted by the gut bacterium Streptococcus gallolyticus might help it promote colorectal tumors and cause bloodstream or heart infections in people with or at risk for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11228797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are working to find the specific bacterial factors that let Streptococcus gallolyticus interact with colon cells and cross the gut barrier. The team uses lab-grown colon cells and animal models to follow a secretion system called Type VII and a secreted protein named EsxA. They will test how EsxA binds to host receptors and changes epithelial cell growth and barrier integrity. The goal is to connect those molecular actions to the bacterium's ability to promote tumors and cause bacteremia or infective endocarditis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer, colon polyps, or a history of Streptococcus gallolyticus bacteremia or infective endocarditis could be most relevant for sample donation or future clinical follow-up from this work.
Not a fit: People without exposure to Streptococcus gallolyticus or with conditions unrelated to colorectal disease or bacteremia are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to detect or block the bacterial signals that raise the risk of colorectal cancer and dangerous bloodstream or heart infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies have shown Streptococcus gallolyticus can stimulate colon cell growth and promote tumors in animal models, but the specific Type VII secretion system and EsxA mechanism are a new and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XU, YI — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: XU, YI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Cancerous, Cancers